Physicists Make ‘Star Wars’ Hologram a Reality

A team of physicists at the Australian National University (ANU) have developed Star Wars-like HD holographic images made out of an ultra modern material. The research team worked in collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States, and Nanjing University in China on this project. They believe that these high definition pictures will pave the path for developing smartphone cameras infused with 3D-picture capturing technology.

This material of the images is made up of super fine silicon pillars, which are 500 times thinner than human hair. The way it would work is that the material in question will have the ability to record every detail of light inherent in a picture and transform it into 3D. In that sense, it would also differ from a traditional photograph captured by a smartphone camera at present because the later only observes partial information of light. Hence, it appears to be just two-dimensional.

Co-lead researcher and PhD student Lei Wang said that the idea for this technology was inspired by the series of Star Wars movies. “As a child I learned about the concept of holographic imaging from the Star Wars movies. It’s really cool to be working on an invention that uses the principles of holography depicted in those movies.” Mr. Wang said, reported ABC.

The technology attempts to not only revolutionize the future of photograph, but also the physical appearance of camera built in smartphones. Even though cameras capable of producing holograms are not unique, they sure are rare. This is because lenses and prisms in these cameras are all heavy-weight and bulky, making them less portable.

Flat and lightweight cameras are the call of the day and according to Wang, the latest technology can actually make that happen. The same holographic functionality can be accessed but with a shrunk-down exterior. If indeed such a device with the aforementioned featured is developed, it could have endless potential.

It could very well redefine the size and quality of man-made satellites. A lot of dollars can be saved on international space missions, reported Gizmodo, through installing high and improved optical systems.